How to decorate for Halloween the Slay way

To many Halloween decorating means sacrificing the elegance of your home in the spirit of plastic skeletons and all pumpkin everything. Just like Any other holiday there are plenty of ways to put a chic twist on traditional decor. If you’re looking to throw a spooky but adult soirée we’ve got you covered with some of our favourite ideas. Since you’ve already swapped your jack o lanterns for stylish no carve pumpkins here’s a little inspiration.

At the upper east side even the skeletons have butlers

A cold welcome

Greet guests with a spooky twist on the traditional yard decorations, like these flamingos that line the walkway.

Dark and decadent dessert

Celebrate the darkness of Halloween with rich chocolate desserts, like this eerily enticing cake. Top it with fall florals for an elevated aesthetic

Go for statement pumpkins

Rather than simply carving yet another pumpkin, why not take it to the next level this time around? Show off your crafty side by covering a pumpkin with a luxe piece of fabric and embellishments for a sophisticated look

Incorporate florals

When it comes to Halloween, floral arrangements may not be at the top of your decor list. However a mix of dark red flowers and a touch of greenery can do wonders for a table setting.

Don't just serve candy

Yes candy is definitely a must at your Halloween bash, but that doesn't mean you should skimp on the appetizers. Keep your guests full and stick with the theme by styling a charcuterie tray amongst your spooky Halloween decor.

Make food festive

It's a play holiday so a pumpkin here and there especially one with great style doesn't hurt. But rather than go all out with cob webs, spiders, bats, ghosts and so on, leave it to the food to bring a touch of classic Halloween fun to your party. Try a festive cake, like the marshmallow cobweb one pictured here, or mixing together some cubbed melon and raspberries for a colorful orange and black hors d'oeuvre

Experiment with lighting

Instead of frightening decorations, conjure up a spookier atmosphere by limiting your light sources. Skip the overhead lamp at the dinner table in favour of candles -traditional or antique style candlestick holders work best.

Think beyond orange

In other words your entire venue doesn't need to be decked in orange. Classic black and white will bring a sense of mystery to your decor while metallic accents add sophisticated glamor.

Add antiques for extra spook

Even if they don't seem frightening on their own, old objects like clocks and masks can add an eerily antiquated note to your table set up. Situate antique items around candles and flower arrangements at the dinner table. Not only do they add extra texture and a mysterious mood to your table decor, but they're also fantastic conversation starters among your guests as they dine.

Try a new approach to childhood favourites

Serve these poison toffee apples for a sleek and spooky take on this seasonal treat. Plus if you go for an all black theme, they'll be a perfect fit for the decor.

Have a focal point

Select one area be it the entrance way or a coffee table to be particularly bold with your decor. Here guests can snap their fill of hauntingly cool Instagram photos. The bar is a safe place to add a little extra Halloween pizzazz without it taking over the entire space. If you like a good DIY try impressing party goers with a pumpkin turned ice bucket

Showcase your style

When a holiday is as iconic as Halloween, it's easy to disregard your own aesthetic for the look that its most associated with. However if you let your personal design sensibilities shine through, not only will you have more fun planning the party, but it will stand out for the dozens of other gatherings your friends are bound to attend.

Use stripes for spook and sophistication

Black and white stripes could easily be mistaken for Color at say an elegant gala, but this classy design turns ominous and uncanny when accented with the right Halloween spirit(think pumpkins and flowers). While you don't want everything to be striped, a few accents such as dinner plates or ribbons for vases can add just the right amount of mystery.

Personalise with mysterious pretty calligraphy

In any other party setting, beautiful penmanship would simply be elegant. At a Halloween party however calligraphy lends a mysterious, eery atmosphere to your place settings. Naturally it also has the added benefit of leading your goblins or err guests to their spots.

Give your guests a hand with the food

A playfully bright skeleton hand, that is. While normal white skeleton hands may be cliche, non hues add a modern touch to these macaron serving skeleton hands. Pick your favourite bright Colors and spray paint skeleton decorations for this look.

Get creative with your cocktails

Martini glasses? How very tame! Spice up your glassware this Halloween by swapping typical glasses for vials. For extra frightening flare, paint inexpensive candelabras black and place the vials inside( if you need to remove the metal candle cup to help the glass bottles fit)